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NEW DSCC AD: Colorado Women Set The Record Straight On Cory Gardner’s Lies That Hurt Women’s Health

Gardner Continues To Lie About Sponsoring A Bill That Would Make Abortion & Most Kinds Of Birth Control Illegal

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is releasing a new ad today in Colorado that features Colorado women slamming Cory Gardner for lying about his plan to roll back women’s health care rights. While Cory Gardner continues to lie to Coloradans, he’s still sponsoring a law that would make abortions and most kinds of birth control illegal. Women in the ad take Gardner to task: “He’s not telling the truth and that bothers me,” “His name is on the bill to make abortion illegal and he’s denying it,” “It bothers me that Cory Gardner wants to make abortion and birth control illegal but it really bothers me that he’s lying about it.”

“Colorado women are seeing right through Cory Gardner’s lies and are holding him accountable for his support for dangerous laws that take away women’s personal health care decisions,” said Regan Page, Deputy Press Secretary at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.“The truth is Cory Gardner sponsors a law to make abortions and most kinds of birth control illegal. Colorado women deserve a Senator they can trust, not Cory Gardner.”

BACKUP:

AD CONTENT

“BOTHERS” DOCUMENTATION

WOMAN #1: He’ not telling the truth and that bothers me.

WOMAN #2: Cory Gardner must think he can get away with anything.

WOMAN #3: I checked the record.

WOMAN #4: I looked it up.

WOMAN #5: Cory Gardner is sponsoring a law that would make abortions and most kinds of birth control illegal.

TEXT: Cory Gardner is sponsoring a law to make abortions and most kinds of birth control illegal.

GARDNER IS SPONSORING A BILL RIGHT NOW THAT WOULD BAN ALL ABORTIONS WITHOUT EXCEPTION AND MOST BIRTH CONTROL

Gardner Cosponsored (And Is Currently Cosponsoring) the Life at Conception Act, Declared Life From The Moment of Fertilization. In July 2013, Gardner cosponsored the Life at Conception Act: “Life at Conception Act – Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Prohibits construing this Act to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.” The last action on this bill was a referral to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice on 4/8/13. [Congress.gov, HR 1091, Introduced 3/12/13, Cosponsored 7/23/13]

Gardner “Is Still A Co-Sponsor Of A Federal Version Of Personhood.”KDVR reported “Gardner has sought to soften his stance on women’s health issues since declaring his candidacy in late February, quickly coming out against Colorado’s personhood initiatives — he is still a co-sponsor of a federal version of personhood — and penning an Op-Ed outlining his support for making birth control available to women over the counter without a prescription from a doctor.” [KDVR, 9/3/14]

Gardner Will Remain A Co-Sponsor Of The Life At Conception Act Through Election Day. Jason Salzman wrote in the Huffington Post, “The House of Representatives adjourned Friday, meaning Colorado senatorial candidate Cory Gardner has officially missed his chance to withdraw his name from the Life at Conception Act, a federal personhood bill, prior to the Nov. election. To un-cosponsor the bill, which would ban all abortion, even for raped women, Gardner would have had to make a speech from the House floor, and now the House is out of session until Nov. 12.” [Huffington Post, 9/21/14]

Personhood Campaign Spox: Gardner Is “Still 100 Percent Behind The Federal Amendment.” In July 2014, KUNC reported “The change is position for Gardner hasn’t been well received with Amendment 67 supporters, like Jennifer Mason, a spokeswoman for the Yes on Amendment 67 Campaign. ‘Obviously he’s a victim of some bad political advice, there’s no reason for him to pull local support while he’s still 100 percent behind the federal amendment. It doesn’t make any sense,’ said Mason. By changing his position at the local level she said, Gardner is showing it’s more of a political game than personal conviction. ‘He certainly didn’t win over any Republicans,’ Mason said. ‘Our base here in Colorado is made up of Conservative voters, who have been very disappointed with Cory Gardner.’” [KUNC,7/24/14]

Life Begins At Conception Act Is A Federal Personhood Measure. “Gardner co-sponsored a bill in Congress as recently as last year to give personhood status to fertilized eggs.” [AP,3/25/2014; KDVR, 3/24/2014]

Personhood USA President, Op-Ed: Gardner Sponsored The “Life Begins At Conception Act” In Congress, Which Would Guarantee “Protections Of Personhood For All Unborn Children, Just Like The Personhood Bills Here In The State Of Colorado.” “Representative Gardner, you’ve long said you stood in defense of unborn life from the moment of fertilization, including by co-sponsoring the federal “Life Begins at Conception Act.” That act would guarantee the rights and protections of personhood for all unborn children, just like the personhood bills here in the state of Colorado. Tarnishing that pro-life record by repudiating personhood now makes you untrustworthy–the worst kind of politician. I don’t want to think the worst of you, but it’s hard not to draw the conclusion that you jettisoned your core principles in a transparently desperate attempt to win a few extra votes.”[Christian News Wire, Keith Mason, Personhood USA President, 4/3/14]

Rand Paul, The Senate Sponsor Of The Life at Conception Act Said The Bill “Legislatively Declares … That Human Life Begins At The Moment Of Conception And Therefore Is Entitled To Legal Protection From That Point Forward.” The Huffington Post reported, “But Sen. Rand Paul is the Senate sponsor of the Life at Conception Act, which is identical to the bill co-sponsored by Gardner. And this is how Paul described his own bill in March of last year. ‘The Life at Conception Act legislatively declares what most Americans believe and what science has long known-that human life begins at the moment of conception, and therefore is entitled to legal protection from that point forward.’” [Huffington Post, 7/28/14]

Pro Life Alliance: Life At Conception Act “Provides Basis for Protection of All Unborn by Legislatively Establishing Personhood.” The Pro Life Alliance wrote in a factsheet that the “Provides Basis for Protection of All Unborn by Legislatively Establishing Personhood. A Life at Conception Act – as introduced by Congressman Duncan Hunter (H.R. 618) – is legislation that, quite simply, would declare the unborn to be “persons” under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, and therefore entitled to the right to life guaranteed therein.” The Duncan bill read: “To implement equal protection for the right to life of each born and preborn human person, and pursuant to the duty and authority of the Congress, including Congress’ power under article I, section 8, to make necessary and proper laws, and Congress’ power under section 5 of the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the Congress hereby declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) HUMAN PERSON; HUMAN BEING- The terms `human person’ and `human being’ include each and every member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including, but not limited to, the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being. [HR 618, Bill Text, introduced 1/22/07; Pro Life Alliance, Life at Conception Act, factsheet]

…WHICH WOULD BAN ALL ABORTIONS, EVEN IN CASES OF RAPE OR INCEST

Gardner Claimed He Supported Personhood “As A Means To Ban Abortion.”“Gardner is on record since 2006 supporting so-called personhood measures at the state and federal level. These bills and ballot initiatives generally said the rights afforded to a person would begin at the moment a human egg is fertilized. The federal bill would impact the definition of a person under the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, while the state measure would obviously affect only Colorado law.Gardner’s campaign says he backed the proposals as a means to ban abortion, not contraception…The Democratic ads say he ‘led the charge’ or conducted an ‘eight-year crusade’ that would ‘ban birth control.’ The word ‘crusade’ may be overstating it, but Gardner did support state ballot initiatives and co-sponsored federal personhood legislation in 2012 and 2013. The Gardner campaign says he had supported the measures as a means of banning abortion.” [FactCheck.org,8/15/14]

Legislation That Defines A Fertilized Egg As A Human Being Would Ban All Abortions, Including Those Resulting From Rape And Incest, And Would Declare Common Forms Of Birth Control, Like The IUD, As Murder. In October 2011, the New York Times reported “A constitutional amendment facing voters in Mississippi on Nov. 8, and similar initiatives brewing in half a dozen other states including Florida and Ohio, would declare a fertilized human egg to be a legal person, effectively branding abortion and some forms of birth control as murder. […]The amendment in Mississippi would ban virtually all abortions, including those resulting from rape or incest. It would bar some birth control methods, including IUDs and ‘morning-after pills,’ which prevent fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus. It would also outlaw the destruction of embryos created in laboratories.” [New York Times, 10/25/2011]

Dana Milbank: Life At Conception “Would Effectively Outlaw Abortion.” “Paul won’t get far if he persists with the foreign policy he laid out earlier this year at the Heritage Foundation; he describes himself as a ‘realist,’ but his form of realism might have sounded good to Senate Republicans in the 1930s. And, like his father, he makes politically expedient exceptions to his libertarianism; last week he introduced the Life at Conception Act, which would effectively outlaw abortion.” [Dana Milbank, Washington Post, 3/20/13]

… AND WOULD BAN MOST COMMON FORMS OF BIRTH CONTROL

CNN: “One Of The Practical Results Of The Personhood Measure — Life Starts At Conception — Is That It Would Likely Outlaw Some Forms Of Birth Control.” [CNN, 9/16/14]

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Believed That Personhood Amendments Could Ban “Oral Contraceptives, IUDs and Other FDA-approved Hormonal Contraceptives. “In a 2012 statement opposing personhood amendments, The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said ‘oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and other forms of FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives could be banned in states that adopt ‘personhood’ measures.’” [FactCheck.org, 8/15/14; ACOG, 2/10/12]

American Congress Of Obstetricians And Gynecologists: Legislation Defining A Fertilized Egg As A Person Would Abolish Regular Forms Of Birth Control Like The IUD And The Common, Everyday Birth Control Pill. “These ‘personhood’ proposals, as acknowledged by proponents, would make condoms, natural family planning, and spermicides the only legally allowed forms of birth control. Thus, some of the most effective and reliable forms of contraception, such as oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and other forms of FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives could be banned in states that adopt “personhood” measures. Women’s very lives would be jeopardized if physicians were prohibited from terminating life-threatening ectopic and molar pregnancies. Women who experience pregnancy loss or other negative pregnancy outcomes could be prosecuted in some cases.” [American Congress Of Obstetricians And Gynecologists, 2/10/2012; Politifact, 9/16/2013]

WOMAN #2: His name is on the bill to make abortion illegal and he’s denying it.

WOMAN #6: It bothers me that Cory Gardner wants to make abortion and birth control illegal but it really bothers me that he’s lying about it.

WOMAN #1: I don’t trust a thing he says.

TEXT: Cory Gardner You can’t trust him.

GARDNER CONTINUES TO CLAIM THAT NO THERE IS NO FEDERAL PERSONHOOD LEGISLATION

Gardner Cosponsored (And Is Currently Cosponsoring) the Life at Conception Act, Declared Life From The Moment of Fertilization. In July 2013, Gardner cosponsored the Life at Conception Act: “Life at Conception Act – Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Prohibits construing this Act to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.” The last action on this bill was a referral to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice on 4/8/13. [Congress.gov, HR 1091, Introduced 3/12/13, Cosponsored 7/23/13]

Gardner Claimed “There Is No Federal Personhood Bill.” During an interview on KDVR, “Gardner, who disavowed the statewide ballot initiative weeks after launching his campaign, is still listed as a co-sponsor on the federal Life Begins at Conception Act, which the bill’s authors have explained is an effort to establish personhood. ‘There is no federal personhood bill,’ Gardner said four different times during the interview with FOX31 political reporter Eli Stokols when the conversation turned to women’s health issues (at around 13:00 into the clip above).” [KDVR, 9/28/14]

KDVR’s Eli Stokols: “You Are Sitting Here Telling Me That A Bill That Everyone Says Is Basically A Personhood Bill At The Federal Level, You’re Telling Me It’s Not?” According to the Huffington Post, Stokols explained to Gardner, “‘He’s not the only one who sees the Life at Conception Act as a personhood bill,’ Stokols told Gardner. ‘The sponsors do. Personhood USA does. ..You are sitting here telling me that a bill that everyone says is basically a personhood bill at the federal level, you’re telling me it’s not?’” [Huffington Post,9/29/14]

Gardner Said Four Times That A Federal Personhood Bill Did Not Exist During His Interview With KDVR’s Eli Stokols. “In an explosive interview broadcast Sunday, Republican senatorial candidate Cory Gardner told Fox 31 Denver’s Eli Stokols four times that a federal “personhood” bill does not exist, even though Gardner cosponsored such a bill just last year.” [Huffington Post, 9/29/14]

ANNCR: The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising.

Gardner Claims He Switched Positions On Personhood, But Still Sponsors Personhood Bill To Make All Abortions Illegal

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is releasing a new ad today in Colorado that continues to highlight why Colorado can’t trust Congressman Cory Gardner. Over the course of his political career, Rep. Gardner has supported three Personhood amendments to make all abortions illegal but now he’s claiming he switched positions. The truth is, in Washington Rep. Gardner hasn’t changed at all. Congressman Cory Gardner is still sponsoring a Personhood law to make all abortions illegal, even for victims of rape and incest.

The ad also points viewers to GardnerRecord.com which sets the record straight on Gardner’s extreme agenda that he’s trying to hide from Colorado voters.

“Congressman Cory Gardner is saying one thing to Colorado women, but doing another in Washington,” said Regan Page, Deputy Press Secretary at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “After supporting three Personhood amendments, Cory Gardner claimed he had switched positions but in Washington Gardner still sponsors a Personhood law that would make all abortions illegal, even for rape and incest victims. Colorado women deserve a Senator that puts them first, and it’s clear they can’t trust Congressman Cory Gardner.”

BACKUP:

AD CONTENT

“POLITICIAN” DOCUMENTATION

ANNCR: Over the years, Cory Gardner supported three personhood amendments … to make all abortions illegal.

TEXT: Cory Gardner Supported three personhood amendments to make all abortions illegal

Gardner Supported Amendment 62, Or The Personhood Amendment: “I Have Signed The Personhood Petition. I Have Taken The Petitions To My Church And Circulating It In My Church.” The Fort Collins Coloradoan and the Colorado Independent reported that Gardner supported Amendment 62. “During a 9 News-sponsored debate (see here) in February, Gardner said he not only supported the personhood initiative, which would criminalize stem cell research, abortion, some types of birth control, and curtail in vitro fertilization in the state, but added, “I have taken the petitions to my church and have a legislative record that backs up my support for life.’” The full quote was “I have signed the personhood petition. I’ve taken the petitions to much church circulating it in my church and have a legislative record that backs up my support for life.” [Colorado Independent, 8/5/2010; 9News Debate, YouTube, 2/14/2010; Fort Collins Coloradoan, 9/26/2010]

September 2010: Gardner Supported Personhood Amendment But Refused To Answer Questions About It. In September 2010, the Denver Post reported that “Gardner does not talk much about hot-button social issues, such as his support for Colorado’s proposed ‘personhood’ amendment. ‘Everyone in this district is focused on jobs and spending,’ he said. ‘They are worried about the future of their families and businesses.’” [Denver Post, 9/29/10]

Daily Camera Editorial Board Blasted Gardner For Supporting The “Extreme Personhood Measures That Would…Ban Certain Forms Of Birth Control.” In October 2010, the Daily Camera editorial board wrote: “Gardner, who in the past has taken firm stances in favor of the extreme ‘personhood’ anti-abortion measures that would put all women of child-bearing age at risk and even ban certain forms of birth control, doesn’t like to talk about that now.” [Editorial, Daily Camera, 10/20/10]

January 2010: Gardner Attended 2010 Personhood Rally. “Friday’s Colorado March for Life, presented by Colorado Right to Life, was the largest in recent history, with marchers at the State Capitol numbering nearly 1,500. The march was marked by an unprecedented number of teens, with young people making up the majority of participants. ‘Personhood’ was the theme, with each speaker highlighting the need to recognize Personhood rights for preborn babies from the moment of their biological beginning. The Personhood USA slogan ‘Persons Not Property’ was displayed prominently, and chants of ‘Roe v. Wade has got to go!’ resounded through the streets surrounding the March. Prominent figures included Denver Bishop James D. Conley, Senator Scott Renfroe, Senator Dave Schultheis, Senator Kevin Lundberg, State Representative Amy Stephens, State Representative B.J. Nikkel, State Representative Cory Gardner, Tom Lucero, currently running for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, and Jimmy Lakey, currently running for Colorado’s 7th Congressional District.” [Personhood USA Press Release, 1/25/10]

“Personhood Was The Theme” Of Colorado March For Life Rally Attended By Gardner. “Friday’s Colorado March for Life, presented by Colorado Right to Life, was the largest in recent history, with marchers at the State Capitol numbering nearly 1,500. The march was marked by an unprecedented number of teens, with young people making up the majority of participants. ‘Personhood’ was the theme, with each speaker highlighting the need to recognize Personhood rights for preborn babies from the moment of their biological beginning. The Personhood USA slogan ‘Persons Not Property’ was displayed prominently, and chants of ‘Roe v. Wade has got to go!’ resounded through the streets surrounding the March…. Prominent figures included Denver Bishop James D. Conley, Senator Scott Renfroe, Senator Dave Schultheis, Senator Kevin Lundberg, State Representative Amy Stephens, State Representative B.J. Nikkel, State Representative Cory Gardner, Tom Lucero, currently running for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, and Jimmy Lakey, currently running for Colorado’s 7th Congressional District.” [Personhood USA Press Release, ellipses added, 1/25/10]

2010: Colorado Right to Life: “Republican Cory Gardner supports Personhood, responded to our survey, has participated in CRTL events, and is considered 100% Pro-Life.” [Colorado Right to Life, accessed 10/2/10]

Amendment 62 Was A Ballot Initiative in 2010 That Asked Colorado Voters To Redefine The Definition of a Person Under The Colorado Constitution. “Amendment 62 proposes amending the Colorado Constitution to: apply the term “person,” as used in the sections of the Colorado bill of rights concerning inalienable rights, equality of justice, and due process of law, to every human being from the beginning of the biological development of that human being.” [Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, 2010 State Ballot Information Booklet, Pg. 16, 9/13/10]

Gardner Supported 2008 Personhood Amendment (Amendment 48) At Meeting With Doctors, Told Them The Initiative Was Targeting Abortion, Would Not Have Bearing On Contraception, Reproduction. In October 2008, Dr. Marc Ringel of Brush Family Medicine wrote of a 2008 Morgan County Medical Society meeting: m“During the ensuing discussion one of my colleagues asked about Amendment 48, titled the Definition of Person Amendment. The briefest of all the items we citizens will be asked to cast our ballot for or against, it merely states, ‘The term Person or Persons shall include any human from the time of fertilization’ The doctor asked the representative what personhood might imply, for example, in terms of an IUD or morning-after pill, which prevents implantation into the uterus of an egg within hours of fertilization, never getting to other hard questions like: what does it mean to the pregnant 14 year-old rape victim? to the woman with heart disease so severe that her odds of surviving a delivery are small? or to the woman whose fetus errant placenta has invaded her intestines and threatens to kill her if it continues to grow? Mr. Gardnerresponded soothingly that the writers of that piece of legislation were simply targeting abortion, not everything else that might have a bearing on reproduction and contraception.” [Dr. Marc Ringel, Brush News Tribune, 10/22/08]

Amendment 48 Was A Ballot Initiative in 2008 That Asked Colorado Voters To Redefine The Definition of a Person Under The Colorado Constitution. “Amendment 48 proposes amending the Colorado Constitution to: ‚ define the term “person” to “include any human being from the moment of fertilization”; and‚ apply this definition of person to the sections of the Colorado Constitution that protect the natural and essential rights of persons, allow open access to courts for every person, and ensure that no person has his or her life, liberty, or property taken away without due process of law.” [Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, 2008 State Ballot Information Booklet, Pg. 4, 9/15/08]

2008: Personhood Sponsor: Gardner Was “Very, Very Supportive” Of The 2008 Personhood Amendment. In November 2011, Bigmedia.org’s Jason Salzman reported that “I asked Kristi Brown, who’s changed her name from Kristi Burton since she sponsored the first personhood amendment with her father in 2008, if she expected to get the same support from major candidates that her measure had gotten previously. … ‘I haven’t personally talked to [Coffman and Gardner],’ Brown told me. ‘I know Cory Gardner is very conservative, has really good stands. I talked to him on the 2008 amendment. He was very, very supportive. He was one of our main supporters. So I would guess that he would.’ When she says a main supporter what does she mean? ‘Very supportive,’ she said. ‘He would come to events for us. He talked about it.’” [Bigmedia.org, 11/21/2011]

March 2008: Gardner Supported Personhood At A Press Conference. In March 2010, Colorado Right to Life stated “Cory Gardner also has a pro-life voting record (Tom Lucero has not been in a position to vote on life issues), Gardner was one of the standout legislators who have attended CRTL functions (legislative luncheons) in the past, and who supported Personhood at a press conference in 2008.” [Colorado Right to Life, accessed 3/16/2010; Colorado for Equal Rights, press release, 3/20/2008; VIDEO Denver Channel, 3/17/2008]

2008 TV News Story Showed Gardner In Room With Several Republican Colleagues Signing On To Petition To Put Personhood Initiative On Colorado Ballot. “Udall’s campaign provided a television news story from March 17, 2008, that appears to briefly show Gardner in a room with several Republican colleagues signing on to the petition to put personhood on the Colorado ballot (around the 1-minute mark). Gardner’s campaign did not respond to questions about his support of the 2008 referendum.” [Politifact, 4/25/14]

IN 2006, GARDNER SAID HE WOULD SUPPORT A FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT “TO RESTORE FULL PROTECTION TO PREBORN HUMAN BEINGS” AND SUPPORTED A FEDERAL LAW DEFINING PERSONHOOD AT FERTILIZATION

2006: Gardner Said He Supported Amending The U.S. Constitution “To Restore Full Protection To Preborn Human Beings.” In 2006, Gardner completed a questionnaire for Colorado Right to Life. He checked “Y” when asked, “would you vote for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to restore full protection to preborn human beings.” [Colorado Right to Life, 2006 Voter Guide]

2006: Colorado Right-to-Life Asked Gardner If He Recognized Personhood Begins At Fertilization, Gardner Answered Yes. “In 2006, Colorado Right to Life asked all politicians running for office if they supported the Right to Life Act in Congress, ‘recognizing that personhood begins at fertilization.’ Gardner, then a first-term state representative answered yes.” [Politifact, 4/25/14; Colorado Right to Life, 2006 Voter Guide; H.R. 552, Right to Life Act, introduced 2/2/2005]

Gardner “Dropped A Political Bombshell” When He Flip-Flopped His Position On Personhood Amendment. “Congressman Cory Gardner, who has been hammered for his position on social issues ever since he jumped into the U.S. Senate race, dropped a political bombshell Friday with his revelation that he was wrong to have supported previous personhood efforts. He said that after learning more about the measures, which would have had the impact of outlawing abortion, he realized the proposals also could ban certain forms of contraception, a prohibition he does not support. ‘This was a bad idea driven by good intentions,’ he told The Denver Post. ‘I was not right. I can’t support personhood now. I can’t support personhood going forward. To do it again would be a mistake.’” [Denver Post, 3/21/14]

“Gardner, Once A Strong Proponent of ‘Personhood’ Measures” Has Switched Positions. “Gardner, once a stronger proponent of “personhood” measures, says he’s changed his mind and accepts the argument of critics that such measures not only ban abortion but prohibit some forms of contraception. The congressman and his defenders say he’s merely being open-minded. They compare his shift to Udall abandoning his opposition to gay marriage in 2011.” [AP, 3/25/14]

ANNCR: But in Washington, Gardner hasn’t changed at all. Cory Gardner is still sponsoring a personhood law… to make all abortions illegal … even for victims of rape and incest.

TEXT: Cory Gardner’s Personhood Law.

TEXT: Make all abortions illegal.

TEXT: Even for victims of Rape and Incest.

SOURCE: H.R. 1091, 7/23/13

GARDNER IS SPONSORING A BILL RIGHT NOW THAT WOULD BAN ALL ABORTIONS WITHOUT EXCEPTION

Gardner Cosponsored (And Is Currently Cosponsoring) the Life at Conception Act, Declared Life From The Moment of Fertilization. In July 2013, Gardner cosponsored the Life at Conception Act: “Life at Conception Act – Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Prohibits construing this Act to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.” The last action on this bill was a referral to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice on 4/8/13. [Congress.gov, HR 1091, Introduced 3/12/13, Cosponsored 7/23/13]

Gardner Was “Still A Co-Sponsor Of A Federal Version Of Personhood.” KDVR reported “Gardner has sought to soften his stance on women’s health issues since declaring his candidacy in late February, quickly coming out against Colorado’s personhood initiatives — he is still a co-sponsor of a federal version of personhood — and penning an Op-Ed outlining his support for making birth control available to women over the counter without a prescription from a doctor.” [KDVR, 9/3/14]

Gardner Cosponsored the Measure in 2012 As Well. “Life at Conception Act – Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Prohibits construing this Act to require the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.” The last action on this bill was a referral to the House Committee on the Judiciary on 1/20/11. [Congress.gov, HR 374, Introduced 1/20/11, Co-Sponsored 3/20/12]

Personhood Campaign Spox: Gardner Is “Still 100 Percent Behind The Federal Amendment.” In July 2014, KUNC reported “The change is position for Gardner hasn’t been well received with Amendment 67 supporters, like Jennifer Mason, a spokeswoman for the Yes on Amendment 67 Campaign. ‘Obviously he’s a victim of some bad political advice, there’s no reason for him to pull local support while he’s still 100 percent behind the federal amendment. It doesn’t make any sense,’ said Mason. By changing his position at the local level she said, Gardner is showing it’s more of a political game than personal conviction. ‘He certainly didn’t win over any Republicans,’ Mason said. ‘Our base here in Colorado is made up of Conservative voters, who have been very disappointed with Cory Gardner.’” [KUNC,7/24/14]

Life Begins At Conception Act Defined A Human Being As “A Member Of The Species Homo Sapiens” At The Moment Of Fertilization. “To implement equal protection for the right to life of each born and preborn human person, and pursuant to the duty and authority of the Congress, including Congress’ power under article I, section 8, to make necessary and proper laws, and Congress’ power under section 5 of the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the Congress hereby declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being. …Human person; human being.–The terms “human person” and “human being” include each and every member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being.” [HR 1091, Bill Text, introduced 3/12/2013]

Life Begins At Conception Act Is A Federal Personhood Measure. “Gardner co-sponsored a bill in Congress as recently as last year to give personhood status to fertilized eggs.” [AP,3/25/2014; KDVR, 3/24/2014]

Personhood USA President, Op-Ed: Gardner Sponsored The “Life Begins At Conception Act” In Congress, Which Would Guarantee “Protections Of Personhood For All Unborn Children, Just Like The Personhood Bills Here In The State Of Colorado.” “Representative Gardner, you’ve long said you stood in defense of unborn life from the moment of fertilization, including by co-sponsoring the federal “Life Begins at Conception Act.” That act would guarantee the rights and protections of personhood for all unborn children, just like the personhood bills here in the state of Colorado. Tarnishing that pro-life record by repudiating personhood now makes you untrustworthy–the worst kind of politician. I don’t want to think the worst of you, but it’s hard not to draw the conclusion that you jettisoned your core principles in a transparently desperate attempt to win a few extra votes.”[Christian News Wire, Keith Mason, Personhood USA President, 4/3/14]

Rand Paul, The Senate Sponsor Of The Life at Conception Act Said The Bill “Legislatively Declares … That Human Life Begins At The Moment Of Conception And Therefore Is Entitled To Legal Protection From That Point Forward.” The Huffington Post reported, “But Sen. Rand Paul is the Senate sponsor of the Life at Conception Act, which is identical to the bill co-sponsored by Gardner. And this is how Paul described his own bill in March of last year. ‘The Life at Conception Act legislatively declares what most Americans believe and what science has long known-that human life begins at the moment of conception, and therefore is entitled to legal protection from that point forward.’” [Huffington Post, 7/28/14]

Rand Paul Highlighted The 55 Million Abortions That Have Occurred Since Roe V. Wade And As A Result He Introduced The Life at Conception Act “In Order To Protect The Unborn From The Very Moment Life Begins.” The Huffington Post reported, “In January of this year, Paul released a statement saying: ‘Since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, 55 million abortions have taken place in America. The question remains, can a civilization long endure if it does not respect Life? It is the government’s duty to protect life, liberty, and property, but primarily and most importantly, a government must protect Life,’ Sen. Paul said. ‘In order to protect the unborn from the very moment Life begins, I introduced the Life at Conception Act. Today, our nation wavers and our moral compass is adrift. Only when America chooses, remembers and restores her respect for life will we re-discover our moral bearings and truly find our way.’ [Huffington Post, 7/28/14]

Rep Boustany Said “This Bill Strikes At The Heart Of The Roe V. Wade Decision By Declaring Life At Conception, Granting Constitutional Protection To The Unborn Under The 14th Amendment. “After co-sponsoring the same Life at Conception Act in March, 2013, four months before Gardner signed on, Rep. Charles Boustany, (R-LA) issued a statement saying: ‘As a Member of Congress, I take the cause of fighting for the unborn just as seriously. That’s why I cosponsored H.R. 1091, the Life at Conception Act. This bill strikes at the heart of the Roe v. Wade decision by declaring life at conception, granting constitutional protection to the unborn under the 14th Amendment.’” [Huffington Post, 7/28/14]

Pro Life Alliance: Life At Conception Act “Provides Basis for Protection of All Unborn by Legislatively Establishing Personhood.” The Pro Life Alliance wrote in a factsheet that the “Provides Basis for Protection of All Unborn by Legislatively Establishing Personhood. A Life at Conception Act – as introduced by Congressman Duncan Hunter (H.R. 618) – is legislation that, quite simply, would declare the unborn to be “persons” under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, and therefore entitled to the right to life guaranteed therein.” The Duncan bill read: “To implement equal protection for the right to life of each born and preborn human person, and pursuant to the duty and authority of the Congress, including Congress’ power under article I, section 8, to make necessary and proper laws, and Congress’ power under section 5 of the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the Congress hereby declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) HUMAN PERSON; HUMAN BEING- The terms `human person’ and `human being’ include each and every member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including, but not limited to, the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being. [HR 618, Bill Text, introduced 1/22/2007; Pro Life Alliance, Life at Conception Act, factsheet]

…WHICH WOULD BAN ALL ABORTIONS, EVEN IN CASES OF RAPE OR INCEST

Gardner Claimed He Supported Personhood “As A Means To Ban Abortion.” “Gardner is on record since 2006 supporting so-called personhood measures at the state and federal level. These bills and ballot initiatives generally said the rights afforded to a person would begin at the moment a human egg is fertilized. The federal bill would impact the definition of a person under the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, while the state measure would obviously affect only Colorado law.Gardner’s campaign says he backed the proposals as a means to ban abortion, not contraception…The Democratic ads say he ‘led the charge’ or conducted an ‘eight-year crusade’ that would ‘ban birth control.’ The word ‘crusade’ may be overstating it, but Gardner did support state ballot initiatives and co-sponsored federal personhood legislation in 2012 and 2013. The Gardner campaign says he had supported the measures as a means of banning abortion.” [FactCheck.org, 8/15/14]

Legislation That Defines A Fertilized Egg As A Human Being Would Ban All Abortions, Including Those Resulting From Rape And Incest, And Would Declare Common Forms Of Birth Control, Like The IUD, As Murder. In October 2011, the New York Times reported “A constitutional amendment facing voters in Mississippi on Nov. 8, and similar initiatives brewing in half a dozen other states including Florida and Ohio, would declare a fertilized human egg to be a legal person, effectively branding abortion and some forms of birth control as murder. […]The amendment in Mississippi would ban virtually all abortions, including those resulting from rape or incest. It would bar some birth control methods, including IUDs and ‘morning-after pills,’ which prevent fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus. It would also outlaw the destruction of embryos created in laboratories.” [New York Times, 10/25/2011]

Dana Milbank: Life At Conception “Would Effectively Outlaw Abortion.” “Paul won’t get far if he persists with the foreign policy he laid out earlier this year at the Heritage Foundation; he describes himself as a ‘realist,’ but his form of realism might have sounded good to Senate Republicans in the 1930s. And, like his father, he makes politically expedient exceptions to his libertarianism; last week he introduced the Life at Conception Act, which would effectively outlaw abortion.” [Dana Milbank, Washington Post, 3/20/13]

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is launching a new ad today in Colorado that explains why Colorado women can’t trust Cory Gardner. In Colorado, Congressman Gardner says that birth control should be sold over the counter, but in Washington Gardner is sponsoring a bill that would make common forms of birth control illegal. Gardner’s bill, called the “Life at Conception Act,” even makes all abortions illegal even in cases of rape and incest.

The ad also launches http://www.GardnerRecord.com/ which sets the record straight on Gardner’s extreme agenda that he’s trying to hide from Colorado voters.

“Cory Gardner says one thing in about birth control in Colorado but the truth is he’s doing something entirely different in Washington,” said Justin Barasky, a spokesman at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “Cory Gardner tells Coloradans that he supports birth control being sold over the counter but in Washington he sponsors a bill that would make common forms of birth control illegal. Colorado women deserve a Senator that puts them first, and it’s clear Cory Gardner is a guy they just can’t trust.”

BACKUP:

AD CONTENT

“TRUST” DOCUMENTATION

ANNCR: Here’s what Cory Gardner says in Colorado

GARDNER: “… I believe the pill ought to be available over-the-counter…”

Gardner: “I Believe The Pill Ought To Be Available Over-The Counter, Round-The-Clock, Without Prescription.” In Gardner’s New Ad, he said “What’s the difference between me and Mark Udall on contraception? I believe the pill ought to be available over-the-counter, round-the-clock, without a prescription. Cheaper and easier for you. Mark Udall’s plan is different. He wants to keep government bureaucrats between you and your health care plan. That means more politics and more profits for drug companies. My plan means more rights, more freedom and more control for you and that’s a big difference.” [YouTube, 9/2/14]

ANNCR: But here’s what he’s doing in Washington…

ANNCR: Gardner is sponsoring a bill to make most common forms of birth control illegal.

TEXT: Cory Gardner’s Law: Make common forms of birth control illegal.

SOURCE: HR-1091, 7/23/13

GARDNER IS SPONSORING A BILL RIGHT NOW THAT WOULD BAN ALL ABORTION AND MOST BIRTH CONTROL

Gardner Cosponsored (And Is Currently Cosponsoring) the Life at Conception Act, Declared Life From The Moment of Fertilization. In July 2013, Gardner cosponsored the Life at Conception Act: “Life at Conception Act – Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Prohibits construing this Act to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.” The last action on this bill was a referral to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice on 4/8/13. [Congress.gov, HR 1091, Introduced 3/12/13, Co-sponsored 7/23/13]

Gardner Was “Still A Co-Sponsor Of A Federal Version Of Personhood.” KDVR reported “Gardner has sought to soften his stance on women’s health issues since declaring his candidacy in late February, quickly coming out against Colorado’s personhood initiatives — he is still a co-sponsor of a federal version of personhood — and penning an Op-Ed outlining his support for making birth control available to women over the counter without a prescription from a doctor.” [KDVR, 9/3/14]

Gardner Cosponsored the Measure in 2012 As Well. “Life at Conception Act – Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Prohibits construing this Act to require the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.” The last action on this bill was a referral to the House Committee on the Judiciary on 1/20/11. [Congress.gov, HR 374, Introduced 1/20/11, Co-sponsored 3/20/12]

Personhood Campaign Spox: Gardner Is “Still 100 Percent Behind The Federal Amendment.” In July 2014, KUNC reported “The change is position for Gardner hasn’t been well received with Amendment 67 supporters, like Jennifer Mason, a spokeswoman for the Yes on Amendment 67 Campaign. ‘Obviously he’s a victim of some bad political advice, there’s no reason for him to pull local support while he’s still 100 percent behind the federal amendment. It doesn’t make any sense,’ said Mason. By changing his position at the local level she said, Gardner is showing it’s more of a political game than personal conviction. ‘He certainly didn’t win over any Republicans,’ Mason said. ‘Our base here in Colorado is made up of Conservative voters, who have been very disappointed with Cory Gardner.’” [KUNC,7/24/14]

Life Begins At Conception Act Defined A Human Being As “A Member Of The Species Homo Sapiens” At The Moment Of Fertilization. “To implement equal protection for the right to life of each born and preborn human person, and pursuant to the duty and authority of the Congress, including Congress’ power under article I, section 8, to make necessary and proper laws, and Congress’ power under section 5 of the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the Congress hereby declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being. …Human person; human being.–The terms “human person” and “human being” include each and every member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being.” [HR 1091, Bill Text, introduced 3/12/2013]

Life Begins At Conception Act Is A Federal Personhood Measure. “Gardner co-sponsored a bill in Congress as recently as last year to give personhood status to fertilized eggs.” [AP,3/25/2014; KDVR, 3/24/2014]

Personhood USA President, Op-Ed: Gardner Sponsored The “Life Begins At Conception Act” In Congress, Which Would Guarantee “Protections Of Personhood For All Unborn Children, Just Like The Personhood Bills Here In The State Of Colorado.” “Representative Gardner, you’ve long said you stood in defense of unborn life from the moment of fertilization, including by co-sponsoring the federal “Life Begins at Conception Act.” That act would guarantee the rights and protections of personhood for all unborn children, just like the personhood bills here in the state of Colorado. Tarnishing that pro-life record by repudiating personhood now makes you untrustworthy–the worst kind of politician. I don’t want to think the worst of you, but it’s hard not to draw the conclusion that you jettisoned your core principles in a transparently desperate attempt to win a few extra votes.”[Christian News Wire, Keith Mason, Personhood USA President, 4/3/14]

Rand Paul, The Senate Sponsor Of The Life at Conception Act Said The Bill “Legislatively Declares … That Human Life Begins At The Moment Of Conception And Therefore Is Entitled To Legal Protection From That Point Forward.” The Huffington Post reported, “But Sen. Rand Paul is the Senate sponsor of the Life at Conception Act, which is identical to the bill co-sponsored by Gardner. And this is how Paul described his own bill in March of last year. ‘The Life at Conception Act legislatively declares what most Americans believe and what science has long known-that human life begins at the moment of conception, and therefore is entitled to legal protection from that point forward.’” [Huffington Post, 7/28/14]

Rand Paul Highlighted The 55 Million Abortions That Have Occurred Since Roe V. Wade And As A Result He Introduced The Life at Conception Act “In Order To Protect The Unborn From The Very Moment Life Begins.” The Huffington Post reported, “In January of this year, Paul released a statement saying: ‘Since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, 55 million abortions have taken place in America. The question remains, can a civilization long endure if it does not respect Life? It is the government’s duty to protect life, liberty, and property, but primarily and most importantly, a government must protect Life,’ Sen. Paul said. ‘In order to protect the unborn from the very moment Life begins, I introduced the Life at Conception Act. Today, our nation wavers and our moral compass is adrift. Only when America chooses, remembers and restores her respect for life will we re-discover our moral bearings and truly find our way.’ [Huffington Post, 7/28/14]

Rep Boustany Said “This Bill Strikes At The Heart Of The Roe V. Wade Decision By Declaring Life At Conception, Granting Constitutional Protection To The Unborn Under The 14thAmendment. “After co-sponsoring the same Life at Conception Act in March, 2013, four months before Gardner signed on, Rep. Charles Boustany, (R-LA) issued a statement saying: ‘As a Member of Congress, I take the cause of fighting for the unborn just as seriously. That’s why I cosponsored H.R. 1091, the Life at Conception Act. This bill strikes at the heart of the Roe v. Wade decision by declaring life at conception, granting constitutional protection to the unborn under the 14th Amendment.’” [Huffington Post, 7/28/14]

Pro Life Alliance: Life At Conception Act “Provides Basis for Protection of All Unborn by Legislatively Establishing Personhood.” The Pro Life Alliance wrote in a factsheet that the “Provides Basis for Protection of All Unborn by Legislatively Establishing Personhood. A Life at Conception Act – as introduced by Congressman Duncan Hunter (H.R. 618) – is legislation that, quite simply, would declare the unborn to be “persons” under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, and therefore entitled to the right to life guaranteed therein.” The Duncan bill read: “To implement equal protection for the right to life of each born and preborn human person, and pursuant to the duty and authority of the Congress, including Congress’ power under article I, section 8, to make necessary and proper laws, and Congress’ power under section 5 of the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the Congress hereby declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) HUMAN PERSON; HUMAN BEING- The terms `human person’ and `human being’ include each and every member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including, but not limited to, the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being. [HR 618, Bill Text, introduced 1/22/2007; Pro Life Alliance, Life at Conception Act, factsheet]

CNN: “One Of The Practical Results Of The Personhood Measure — Life Starts At Conception — Is That It Would Likely Outlaw Some Forms Of Birth Control.” [CNN, 9/16/14]

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Believed That Personhood Amendments Could Ban “Oral Contraceptives, IUDs and Other FDA-approved Hormonal Contraceptives. “In a 2012 statement opposing personhood amendments, The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said ‘oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and other forms of FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives could be banned in states that adopt ‘personhood’ measures.’” [FactCheck.org, 8/15/14; ACOG, 2/10/12]

American Congress Of Obstetricians And Gynecologists: Legislation Defining A Fertilized Egg As A Person Would Abolish Regular Forms Of Birth Control Like The IUD And The Common, Everyday Birth Control Pill. “These ‘personhood’ proposals, as acknowledged by proponents, would make condoms, natural family planning, and spermicides the only legally allowed forms of birth control. Thus, some of the most effective and reliable forms of contraception, such as oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and other forms of FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives could be banned in states that adopt “personhood” measures. Women’s very lives would be jeopardized if physicians were prohibited from terminating life-threatening ectopic and molar pregnancies. Women who experience pregnancy loss or other negative pregnancy outcomes could be prosecuted in some cases.” [American Congress Of Obstetricians And Gynecologists, 2/10/2012; Politifact, 9/16/2013]

The Colorado Gynecological-Obstetrical Society Opposed The 2008 Statewide Personhood Initiative Because Of The Potential Unintended Consequences Banning “Reproductive Technology and Routine Contraception.” “The Colorado Gynecological-Obstetrical Society also opposed the 2008 state measure, saying it was ‘deeply concerned about the unintended consequences of this amendment which could widely impact clinical practice,’ including reproductive technology and ‘routine contraception.’” [FactCheck.org, 8/15/14; Colorado Gynecological-Obstetrical Society, No on Amendment 48 Fact Sheet]

Legislation That Defines A Fertilized Egg As A Human Being Would Ban All Abortions, Including Those Resulting From Rape And Incest, And Would Declare Common Forms Of Birth Control, Like The IUD, As Murder. In October 2011, the New York Times reported “A constitutional amendment facing voters in Mississippi on Nov. 8, and similar initiatives brewing in half a dozen other states including Florida and Ohio, would declare a fertilized human egg to be a legal person, effectively branding abortion and some forms of birth control as murder. […]The amendment in Mississippi would ban virtually all abortions, including those resulting from rape or incest. It would bar some birth control methods, including IUDs and ‘morning-after pills,’ which prevent fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus. It would also outlaw the destruction of embryos created in laboratories.” [New York Times, 10/25/2011]

Politifact On Personhood Being Established At The Moment Of Fertilization: “Since It Takes About Eight Or More Days For A Fertilized Egg To Implant In The Wall Of The Uterus And There Are Birth Control Methods That Prevent Implantation, Then Such A Law Might Well Have Made Those Methods Illegal.” In October 2012, Politifact rated the claim that Mitt Romney supported Personhood measures because he said Life Begins at Conception: “Christopher Tollefsen, a philosophy professor at the University of South Carolina, explained that ‘to say that something is a ‘person’ is to say that it has a particular kind of moral status — the sort of thing you can’t kill and that deserves the protection of the law.’ The 2011 Mississippi Personhood initiative is a good example. Amendment 26 stated that ‘the term “person” or “persons” shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization.’ Had it passed, Amendment 26 would not only have led to a ban on most abortions, its effect would likely have gone further. Since it takes about eight or more days for a fertilized egg to implant in the wall of the uterus and there are birth control methods that prevent implantation, then such a law might well have made those methods illegal.” [Politifact, 10/26/2012]

Politifact: “Personhood Bills That Recognized Life As Beginning At The Moment Of Conception Or Fertilization And Bestowed Human Embryos With Legal Rights” Which Could Outlaw Birth Control Pills And Other Forms Of Contraception. In September 2013, Politifact rated the claim that Ken Cuccinelli supported personhood legislation that limits choices over contraception: “personhood bills that recognized life as beginning at the moment of conception or fertilization and bestowed human embryos with legal rights. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says such legislation could outlaw birth control pills and other forms of contraception that prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in a uterus.” [Politifact, 9/16/2013]

ANNCR: Gardner’s bill also makes all abortions illegal … even in cases of rape and incest.

TEXT: Cory Gardner’s Law: Make all abortions illegal. Even in cases of rape and incest.

SOURCE: HR-1091, 7/23/13

GARDNER IS SPONSORING A BILL RIGHT NOW THAT WOULD BAN ALL ABORTION AND MOST BIRTH CONTROL

Gardner Cosponsored (And Is Currently Cosponsoring) the Life at Conception Act, Declared Life From The Moment of Fertilization. In July 2013, Gardner cosponsored the Life at Conception Act: “Life at Conception Act – Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Prohibits construing this Act to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.” The last action on this bill was a referral to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice on 4/8/13. [Congress.gov, HR 1091, Introduced 3/12/13, Co-sponsored 7/23/13]

Gardner Was “Still A Co-Sponsor Of A Federal Version Of Personhood.” KDVR reported “Gardner has sought to soften his stance on women’s health issues since declaring his candidacy in late February, quickly coming out against Colorado’s personhood initiatives — he is still a co-sponsor of a federal version of personhood — and penning an Op-Ed outlining his support for making birth control available to women over the counter without a prescription from a doctor.” [KDVR, 9/3/14]

Gardner Cosponsored the Measure in 2012 As Well. “Life at Conception Act – Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Prohibits construing this Act to require the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.” The last action on this bill was a referral to the House Committee on the Judiciary on 1/20/11. [Congress.gov, HR 374, Introduced 1/20/11, Co-Sponsored 3/20/12]

Personhood Campaign Spox: Gardner Is “Still 100 Percent Behind The Federal Amendment.” In July 2014, KUNC reported “The change is position for Gardner hasn’t been well received with Amendment 67 supporters, like Jennifer Mason, a spokeswoman for the Yes on Amendment 67 Campaign. ‘Obviously he’s a victim of some bad political advice, there’s no reason for him to pull local support while he’s still 100 percent behind the federal amendment. It doesn’t make any sense,’ said Mason. By changing his position at the local level she said, Gardner is showing it’s more of a political game than personal conviction. ‘He certainly didn’t win over any Republicans,’ Mason said. ‘Our base here in Colorado is made up of Conservative voters, who have been very disappointed with Cory Gardner.’” [KUNC,7/24/14]

Life Begins At Conception Act Defined A Human Being As “A Member Of The Species Homo Sapiens” At The Moment Of Fertilization. “To implement equal protection for the right to life of each born and preborn human person, and pursuant to the duty and authority of the Congress, including Congress’ power under article I, section 8, to make necessary and proper laws, and Congress’ power under section 5 of the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the Congress hereby declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being. …Human person; human being.–The terms “human person” and “human being” include each and every member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being.” [HR 1091, Bill Text, introduced 3/12/2013]

Life Begins At Conception Act Is A Federal Personhood Measure. “Gardner co-sponsored a bill in Congress as recently as last year to give personhood status to fertilized eggs.” [AP,3/25/2014; KDVR, 3/24/2014]

Personhood USA President, Op-Ed: Gardner Sponsored The “Life Begins At Conception Act” In Congress, Which Would Guarantee “Protections Of Personhood For All Unborn Children, Just Like The Personhood Bills Here In The State Of Colorado.” “Representative Gardner, you’ve long said you stood in defense of unborn life from the moment of fertilization, including by co-sponsoring the federal “Life Begins at Conception Act.” That act would guarantee the rights and protections of personhood for all unborn children, just like the personhood bills here in the state of Colorado. Tarnishing that pro-life record by repudiating personhood now makes you untrustworthy–the worst kind of politician. I don’t want to think the worst of you, but it’s hard not to draw the conclusion that you jettisoned your core principles in a transparently desperate attempt to win a few extra votes.”[Christian News Wire, Keith Mason, Personhood USA President, 4/3/14]

Rand Paul, The Senate Sponsor Of The Life at Conception Act Said The Bill “Legislatively Declares … That Human Life Begins At The Moment Of Conception And Therefore Is Entitled To Legal Protection From That Point Forward.” The Huffington Post reported, “But Sen. Rand Paul is the Senate sponsor of the Life at Conception Act, which is identical to the bill co-sponsored by Gardner. And this is how Paul described his own bill in March of last year. ‘The Life at Conception Act legislatively declares what most Americans believe and what science has long known-that human life begins at the moment of conception, and therefore is entitled to legal protection from that point forward.’” [Huffington Post, 7/28/14]

Rand Paul Highlighted The 55 Million Abortions That Have Occurred Since Roe V. Wade And As A Result He Introduced The Life at Conception Act “In Order To Protect The Unborn From The Very Moment Life Begins.” The Huffington Post reported, “In January of this year, Paul released a statement saying: ‘Since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, 55 million abortions have taken place in America. The question remains, can a civilization long endure if it does not respect Life? It is the government’s duty to protect life, liberty, and property, but primarily and most importantly, a government must protect Life,’ Sen. Paul said. ‘In order to protect the unborn from the very moment Life begins, I introduced the Life at Conception Act. Today, our nation wavers and our moral compass is adrift. Only when America chooses, remembers and restores her respect for life will we re-discover our moral bearings and truly find our way.’ [Huffington Post, 7/28/14]

Rep Boustany Said “This Bill Strikes At The Heart Of The Roe V. Wade Decision By Declaring Life At Conception, Granting Constitutional Protection To The Unborn Under The 14thAmendment. “After co-sponsoring the same Life at Conception Act in March, 2013, four months before Gardner signed on, Rep. Charles Boustany, (R-LA) issued a statement saying: ‘As a Member of Congress, I take the cause of fighting for the unborn just as seriously. That’s why I cosponsored H.R. 1091, the Life at Conception Act. This bill strikes at the heart of the Roe v. Wade decision by declaring life at conception, granting constitutional protection to the unborn under the 14th Amendment.’” [Huffington Post, 7/28/14]

Pro Life Alliance: Life At Conception Act “Provides Basis for Protection of All Unborn by Legislatively Establishing Personhood.” The Pro Life Alliance wrote in a factsheet that the “Provides Basis for Protection of All Unborn by Legislatively Establishing Personhood. A Life at Conception Act – as introduced by Congressman Duncan Hunter (H.R. 618) – is legislation that, quite simply, would declare the unborn to be “persons” under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, and therefore entitled to the right to life guaranteed therein.” The Duncan bill read: “To implement equal protection for the right to life of each born and preborn human person, and pursuant to the duty and authority of the Congress, including Congress’ power under article I, section 8, to make necessary and proper laws, and Congress’ power under section 5 of the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the Congress hereby declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) HUMAN PERSON; HUMAN BEING- The terms `human person’ and `human being’ include each and every member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including, but not limited to, the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being. [HR 618, Bill Text, introduced 1/22/2007; Pro Life Alliance, Life at Conception Act, factsheet]

…WHICH WOULD BAN ALL ABORTIONS, EVEN IN CASES OF RAPE OR INCEST

Gardner Claimed He Supported Personhood “As A Means To Ban Abortion.” “Gardner is on record since 2006 supporting so-called personhood measures at the state and federal level. These bills and ballot initiatives generally said the rights afforded to a person would begin at the moment a human egg is fertilized. The federal bill would impact the definition of a person under the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, while the state measure would obviously affect only Colorado law.Gardner’s campaign says he backed the proposals as a means to ban abortion, not contraception…The Democratic ads say he ‘led the charge’ or conducted an ‘eight-year crusade’ that would ‘ban birth control.’ The word ‘crusade’ may be overstating it, but Gardner did support state ballot initiatives and co-sponsored federal personhood legislation in 2012 and 2013. The Gardner campaign says he had supported the measures as a means of banning abortion.” [FactCheck.org, 8/15/14]

Legislation That Defines A Fertilized Egg As A Human Being Would Ban All Abortions, Including Those Resulting From Rape And Incest, And Would Declare Common Forms Of Birth Control, Like The IUD, As Murder. In October 2011, the New York Times reported “A constitutional amendment facing voters in Mississippi on Nov. 8, and similar initiatives brewing in half a dozen other states including Florida and Ohio, would declare a fertilized human egg to be a legal person, effectively branding abortion and some forms of birth control as murder. […]The amendment in Mississippi would ban virtually all abortions, including those resulting from rape or incest. It would bar some birth control methods, including IUDs and ‘morning-after pills,’ which prevent fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus. It would also outlaw the destruction of embryos created in laboratories.” [New York Times, 10/25/2011]

Dana Milbank: Life At Conception “Would Effectively Outlaw Abortion.”“Paul won’t get far if he persists with the foreign policy he laid out earlier this year at the Heritage Foundation; he describes himself as a ‘realist,’ but his form of realism might have sounded good to Senate Republicans in the 1930s. And, like his father, he makes politically expedient exceptions to his libertarianism; last week he introduced the Life at Conception Act, which would effectively outlaw abortion.” [Dana Milbank, Washington Post, 3/20/13]

ANNCR: Gardner’s Bill is called the Life at Conception Act. Look it up yourself